Origin
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl., also known as Parmotrema subolivaceum, belongs to the genus Parmotrema and the family Parmeliaceae. It is commonly found in North and South America, Europe, and some arctic and subarctic regions.
Common names
Parmelia subolivacea is commonly known as "green shield lichen" or "green shield Parmelia" due to its greenish color and the fact that it resembles a small shield. It is also known as "Maple Parmelia" due to its association with maple trees.
Uses
Parmelia subolivacea has been used for various medicinal purposes. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat different conditions such as cough, asthma, cold, flu, and sore throat. It is also used as a natural dye for wool and other fibers to produce a green color.
General Appearance
Parmelia subolivacea has a distinctive flat, leaf-like body that measures up to 15 cm in diameter. The upper surface of the thallus has a dark-green, olive-green, or yellow-green color, while the lower surface is brown. It has many small round lobes that overlap and are often raised at their tips. The surface is covered with tiny bumps or granules called pseudocyphellae, which help in the exchange of gases and water vapor. It also has tiny black dots called apothecia, which produce spores for reproduction.
Growth Conditions of Parmelia subolivacea Nyl.
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. is a type of lichen that can be found growing in various habitats including forests, mountains, and deserts. It typically grows on rocks, bark, or soil in areas with sufficient humidity and air quality.
Light Requirements
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. is a photosynthetic organism that requires light to grow. However, it is tolerant of partial shade and can even grow in areas with low light, although growth may be slower in these conditions.
Temperature Preferences
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. can grow in a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). However, it can also tolerate temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F) and as high as 45°C (113°F).
Soil Requirements
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. does not have true roots and does not require soil to grow. Instead, it typically attaches itself to rocks, bark, or other surfaces using a specialized structure called a holdfast. However, its growth can be influenced by the chemical composition of the substrate it attaches to.
Some species of Parmelia, including P. subolivacea Nyl., are known to be sensitive to atmospheric pollution, especially sulfur dioxide. They may be used as bioindicators of air pollution since they can accumulate pollutants from the air and show visible changes in their morphology.
In summary, Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. requires light and can grow in a wide range of temperatures and habitats. It does not require soil to grow but its growth and survival may be influenced by the chemical composition of the substrate it attaches to. Its sensitivity to atmospheric pollution makes it a useful bioindicator of air quality.
Cultivation Methods
When cultivating Parmelia subolivacea Nyl., you want to make sure it is given the right conditions to thrive. The plant prefers growing in areas with high humidity and low light intensity. Therefore, it is best grown in shaded areas. It is a slow-growing plant that forms a mat over time. It can grow on rocks, soil, and tree bark but thrives best in areas with good air circulation.
Watering Needs
The Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. prefers humid conditions but does not thrive in areas that have standing water. As such, it is important to water the plant sparingly and pay close attention to drainage. Overwatering often leads to the growth of fungi and bacteria that could be detrimental to the plant's overall health.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. is not required, given the plant can access all its nutrient requirements from the atmosphere, but this can be an added advantage when the plant is grown with rocks or soil. If you want to give it a nutrient boost, opt for a mild fertilizer that is applied sparingly.
Pruning
The Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. does not require pruning. However, it benefits from the removal of any debris and dead tissue that may build up over time. This removal aids in better air circulation and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Propagation of Parmelia subolivacea Nyl.
Propagating Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. can be done through various methods. These methods include:
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant such as tissues or fragments to regenerate and produce new plants. Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. can be propagated asexually by fragmentation. This is done by cutting the thallus (the main vegetative part of the plant) into smaller pieces. The cuttings are then placed in suitable conditions where they can regrow. This method is commonly used in lichen cultivation as it can produce good quality lichen in a shorter period of time compared to sexual reproduction.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of spores to produce new plants. Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. reproduces sexually with the help of small structures called apothecia. These structures produce spores which are dispersed by wind. When the spores land on a suitable surface, they germinate and grow into new plants. However, sexual reproduction is a slow process, and it may take years for new plants to develop to maturity.
Culture Propagation
This method involves the use of tissue culture techniques to propagate lichens. It is a new and less common method that requires specialized knowledge and laboratory equipment. Tissue cultures involve isolating small pieces of thalli and growing them in a culture medium. This method is more commonly used for research purposes than for commercial propagation.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to maintain suitable growing conditions such as adequate light, humidity, and temperature. Proper care will ensure that new plants grow healthy and strong.
Disease and Pest Management for Parmelia subolivacea Nyl.
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl., a species of lichen, is generally robust and resistant to diseases and pests. However, like any other plant, it may be affected by a variety of diseases and pests. Being able to identify these problems early will go a long way in preventing them from spreading and causing significant damage.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. is lichen necrosis, which is caused by air pollution and toxic gases. It causes brownish-black spots on the lichen thallus, reduced growth, and, in severe cases, death. Another common disease is lichenicolous fungi, which are parasitic fungi that infect and kill the lichen. Symptoms of lichenicolous fungi include discoloration, deformation, and the formation of black spots on the lichen thallus.
To control lichen necrosis, it's best to reduce air pollution around the area. For severe cases, it's important to remove the affected lichens and dispose of them properly. As for lichenicolous fungi, there are currently no known treatments for this type of infection.
Common Pests
Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. is rarely affected by pests. However, it can be infested by scale insects, which are small and often go unnoticed. Scale insects cause yellowing, wilting, and premature dropping of the lichen thallus. Another pest is the lichen moth, which feeds on the lichen and can cause defoliation.
To control scale insects, you may use a horticultural oil spray to smother the pests. In the case of a lichen moth infestation, manually remove the moths or use a biocontrol agent to manage their population.
Regularly monitoring the plants and being vigilant about early warning signs of diseases and pests is key to maintaining a healthy Parmelia subolivacea Nyl. population. In addition, practicing good sanitation practices and ensuring proper growth conditions will go a long way in preventing diseases and pests from infesting the lichen.
